4 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for an Open House
SUBMITTED BY Highline Residential on August 9, 2018
Now that your home is listed for sale, it seems as though you have a to-do list a mile long, and preparing for an open house is one of them. An open house gives buyers a glimpse into what their life would look like should they decide to purchase your home. This will be their first impression, and there won't be a do-over. Real estate agent Jeff Fisher, with Arizona's Realty RE/MAX Fine Properties, definitely recommends at least one open house, and he believes their biggest benefit is the instant visibility and exposure.
As Fisher explains, the agents responsibility is to "be there, showcase the home, market it, prepare the homeowner for the traffic and feedback, and give the homeowner realistic outcomes." However, homeowners have a job as well. It is up to you to make sure the home is ready to welcome the first buyer through the front door, and these four prep tips will help.
As a homeowner, DIY projects will be your best friend, and painting your front door is certainly an easy one. However, it requires a little bit of thought, as opposed to going with the first color that pops into your head. It is best to stick with classic colors such as black, gray, tan, or a subtle pop of color such as light blue, dark green, or red. However, if you have shutters, you'll need to paint them to match as well. If you aren't sure about your color choice, run it by your realtor first.
You don't have to have elaborate landscaping to capture a buyer's attention, but a well-kept yard free of weeds and limbs is certainly a plus. For a quick weekend project, add a new layer of mulch or pine straw, and make sure all shrubbery is trimmed back so that it isn't protruding into the walkway. Speaking of walkways, make sure yours is sparkling clean using a scrub brush or pressure washer. Don't forget to replace exterior lighting too. Once you think you've given the exterior of your home a good tune up, head across the street and take a look at it from a different perspective to ensure you didn't miss anything.
Take your regular cleaning routine to a whole new level by giving your home the deep clean it needs. This means scrubbing the floors, walls, countertops, and even those areas under furniture where dust bunnies collect. While you are on your hands and knees, looks for repairs you might need to make such as painting over scratches on the wall from the dog. If you have pets, you'll want to make sure to clean up after them. Plus, Fisher suggests that you "prepare the pets to be gone for the open" via you, a family member/friend, or hired help such as a pet sitter or boarding service. You'll need to make plans to be absent as well.
While you certainly love showing off wedding, baby, and family photos, awards, and various collections, it can be distracting for potential buyers. Even everyday items such as toothbrushes, bathrobes, laundry, and children's toys need to be put away. A quick, budget-friendly way to depersonalize your home is to (neatly) put everything in a plastic bin and store it under your bed. This way, you can quickly access items you need, but they are ready to be put away at a moment's notice such as a sudden house showing.
An open house truly is your home's time to shine. Make it sparkle by adding small but significant touches such as a new door color or improved landscaping. Don't forget to clean and depersonalize, then leave it to your realtor to paint your home in the most positive light and secure a sale.
Photo via Pixabay
As Fisher explains, the agents responsibility is to "be there, showcase the home, market it, prepare the homeowner for the traffic and feedback, and give the homeowner realistic outcomes." However, homeowners have a job as well. It is up to you to make sure the home is ready to welcome the first buyer through the front door, and these four prep tips will help.
Paint the Front Door
As a homeowner, DIY projects will be your best friend, and painting your front door is certainly an easy one. However, it requires a little bit of thought, as opposed to going with the first color that pops into your head. It is best to stick with classic colors such as black, gray, tan, or a subtle pop of color such as light blue, dark green, or red. However, if you have shutters, you'll need to paint them to match as well. If you aren't sure about your color choice, run it by your realtor first.
Have a Yard Day
You don't have to have elaborate landscaping to capture a buyer's attention, but a well-kept yard free of weeds and limbs is certainly a plus. For a quick weekend project, add a new layer of mulch or pine straw, and make sure all shrubbery is trimmed back so that it isn't protruding into the walkway. Speaking of walkways, make sure yours is sparkling clean using a scrub brush or pressure washer. Don't forget to replace exterior lighting too. Once you think you've given the exterior of your home a good tune up, head across the street and take a look at it from a different perspective to ensure you didn't miss anything.
Clean Like You Mean It
Take your regular cleaning routine to a whole new level by giving your home the deep clean it needs. This means scrubbing the floors, walls, countertops, and even those areas under furniture where dust bunnies collect. While you are on your hands and knees, looks for repairs you might need to make such as painting over scratches on the wall from the dog. If you have pets, you'll want to make sure to clean up after them. Plus, Fisher suggests that you "prepare the pets to be gone for the open" via you, a family member/friend, or hired help such as a pet sitter or boarding service. You'll need to make plans to be absent as well.
Depersonalize Everything
While you certainly love showing off wedding, baby, and family photos, awards, and various collections, it can be distracting for potential buyers. Even everyday items such as toothbrushes, bathrobes, laundry, and children's toys need to be put away. A quick, budget-friendly way to depersonalize your home is to (neatly) put everything in a plastic bin and store it under your bed. This way, you can quickly access items you need, but they are ready to be put away at a moment's notice such as a sudden house showing.
An open house truly is your home's time to shine. Make it sparkle by adding small but significant touches such as a new door color or improved landscaping. Don't forget to clean and depersonalize, then leave it to your realtor to paint your home in the most positive light and secure a sale.
Photo via Pixabay